Masters ACT Cycling Team

Track Nationals News

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:45:00 +0000

Tony has found some news on the track nationals

Change of Dates and New Events for Australian Masters Track Championships

http://www.nsw.cycling.org.au/default.asp?Page=45168

The Masters ACT Cycling Team website and blog have moved

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:29:00 +0000

Please update your bookmarks

The MACT Blog can now be found at vmactblog.vikingscycling.org.au

The MACT Website can be found at mact.vikingscycling.org.au or vmact.vikingscycling.org.au

Masters Dates to Remember 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:27:00 +0000

For more information go to the events page

Check out the Cycling Australia Masters Page

NSW Masters Individual Pursuit Championship Thur 02 Feb 12
NSW Masters Sprint Championship Fri 03 Feb 12
NSW Masters Time Trial Championship Sat 04 Feb 12
NSW Masters Points Race Championships Sat 04 Feb 12
NSW Masters Women's Team Sprint Championships Sun 05 Feb 12
NSW Masters Team Sprint Championships (Under 135yrs) Sun 05 Feb 12
NSW Masters Team Sprint Championships (Over 135yrs) Sun 05 Feb 12
NSW Masters Scratch Race Championships Sun 05 Feb 12

Cycling Australia Masters Track National Championships - Sydney DGV - Wed 22 -Sun 26 Feb 12
Track Nationals News - More events and some date changes

NSW Individual Time Trial Championships - Sun 21 Jul 12

NSW Masters Individual Time Trial Championships - Breadalbane Public School - Corner Collector Rd & Cullerin Rd Breadalbane - Fri 07 Sep 12
NSW Masters Criterium Championships - Marulan Driver Training Centre - Sat 08 Sep 12
NSW Masters Road Race Championships - Gunning TBC - Sun 09 Sep 12

Australian Masters are 3-6 October
Australian Masters Individual Time Trial Championships - Wed 03 Oct 12
Australian Masters Criterium Championships (Selected Men's Heats + all Women Finals) - Thur 04 Oct 12
Australian Masters Criterium Championships (All Men's Finals) - Fri 05 Oct 12
Australian Masters Road Race Championships - Sat 06 Oct12

Washup on the 2010 Australian Masters Road Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 04:01:00 +0000

It was cold, wet and windy! Temperatues during the day were around 4-5 degrees

Results can be found here or downloaded from the MACT website here

Terry Moore was the best performing rider, with everybody finishing there or there-about in difficult conditions.

The scheduling was also a bit problematic, making room for the Herald sun Cycling Classic on the Sunday.

The Time Trial was held on Friday, Criteriums on Saturday around a longish circuit more like a road course. The Road races were conducted on a windswept course out near Miners Rest, adjacent to the Ballarat Race course. More details to follow as I get time

2010 Australian Masters Road Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:55:00 +0000

2010 Australian Masters Road Championships

If you're over 30 and love racing then the 2010 Australian Masters Road Championships are the event for you. Head to Ballarat from 24 to 28 September 2010 to line up in time trials, criteriums and road races........more

http://www.vic.cycling.org.au/?MenuID=Racing/20072/16049/,Calendar/20054/15554/,2010_AMRC/20325/34816/

NSW Masters Road Championships 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:35:00 +0000

2010 Australian Masters Track Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:41:00 +0000

AUSTRALIAN MASTERS TRACK CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
DISC VELODROME MELBOURNE
15-18 APRIL 2010

ACT TEAM REPORT – By Jim Veal

Twelve riders from the ACT contested 34 individual events as well as the Team Sprint (11 riders). The depth of Masters track cycling in the ACT was demonstrated in the Team Sprint. Vikings were the only club to feature multiple teams and the No 1 team was the highest ranked team from one club. Overall ACT riders in individual events came away with 2 Gold, 6 Silver and 5 Bronze medals.

All our team members embraced the championship atmosphere and rode their hearts out, with some reaching significant milestones. Congratulations to Bill Laing on his first (and second) podium finishes at National level. Bill won bronze in the Time Trial, then silver in the Sprint taking it to three rides against the eventual gold medallist Stuart Vaughan. Daniel Rickard rode superbly and showed great courage and dignity to continue in the Sprint finals after being knocked off at high speed, finally finishing in fourth position. Congratulations to Graeme Allbon who won 2 gold and 1 silver and the Champion of Champions jersey. In the M4 Points race Graeme won every sprint except one, which was won by our perennial rider Allan Bontjer following a 3 lap solo break.

Kerry Knowler and Terry Moore continued to develop their expertise on the velodrome including the Team Sprint. Kerry finished with 1 silver and 2 bronze medals. Terry distinguished herself and was very excited after being selected for a drug test.

Masters	Name	TT	IP	Points/Scratch	Sprint
W3	Kerry Knowler	40.068 Bronze	2.37.041 Bronze	Silver
W4	Terry Moore	43.114 (5th)	2.51.348 (4th)
M3	Bill Laing	52.000 Bronze			11.822 Silver
M3	Daniel Rickard	52.956 (4th)			11.563 (4th)
M3	Jerome Villegas	55.406 (9th)			13.291 (12th)
M4	Gary Aisbitt	55.375 (7th)
M4	Graeme Allbon	52.815 Silver	3.34.219 Gold	Gold	12.106 (6th)
M4	Allan Bontjer	1.00.819 (8th)	4.10.398 (10th)	(6th)
M4	Steve Jones		4.08.289 (9th)	(8th)
M5	Anton Wurzer	37.926 (6th)	2.34.138 (9th)	(6th)	12.477 (7th)
M5	Mark Harris	38.390 (8th)	2.25.447 Silver
M4	Jim Veal	38.511 Silver	2.38.090 Bronze	Bronze	12.443 Silver

2009 Australian Cyclists of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:56:00 +0000

Graeme Allbon & Michelle Crawford win the 2009 Australian Cyclists of the Year awards

Jason and Graeme with Cadel

ACT Highlights

MACT cyclist Sue Powell wins Para Cycling Female cyclist of the year at 2009 CA Awards. Well done Sue!
MACT cyclist Graeme Allbon named 2009 male mater of the year at 2009 Cycling Australia Awards. Quite deserved Graeme!
Jason Parkes CCC ACT named Australian Sports Commission Volunteers of the Year. Thanks for all your hard work Jason

Cycling Australia media here

Summer Criterium Racing

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:09:00 +0000

Anyone with an ACF licence can ride in our summer criterium team. If you want to ride in the MACT colours just contact SimonN to arrange to purchase a MACT kit

OK, we've got 3 teams worth of names for the MACT crit squad:

Firstname	Last Name	Crit grade
Graeme	Allbon	A
Ian	Downing	A
Mark	Harris	A
Sean	Moran	A
Simon	Niemeyer	A
Allan	Bontjer	B
Jim	Veal	B
Paul	Scherl	B
Simon	Claringbold	B
Steve	Jones	B
Gary	Rolfe	C
Peter	Harding	C
Ric	Fitch	C
ANTON	WURZER	D
Paul	Welsh	D
Ray	Gorrell	D
Richard	Gorrell	D
Simon	Gallacher	D
Sue	POWELL	WA
Vanessa	Essam	WA

Any more takers? Have I missed anyone?

It would be great to have 7 in each grade to slug it out together. After all, the Masters track is just training so that we can get a good crit lead-out train going!

Cheers

SimonN

Worlds 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:08:00 +0000

Jim Veal, World Champion!

Here are some results, lots of medals for MACT members

Some more pics..........

Worlds 2009

2009 Australian Masters Road Cycling Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 10:40:00 +0000

Results here

Photos here

Master’s National Champs in Canberra

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:09:00 +0000

Good luck to everyone racing in the Master’s National Champs in Canberra this weekend as well as the World Master’s in Sydney the week after.

Battle on the Border Race Report

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:24:00 +0000

The inaugural Tour de Tweed (or Battle on the Border) is a race that was hastily put together following the collapse of the Tour of Sunshine Coast. Time was against the organisers, but going for them was an incredible scenic backdrop and strong institutional backing from the local council and businesses. And so it was that a great race has been born. Despite a few glitches this Tour has all the makings of a classic for club cyclists around Australia, particularly Masters cyclists looking for a multi-day challenge without the enormous climbs of the Tour of Bright.

I was originally a bit disappointed about the demise of the TSC, which really suited my style of riding, but decided to enter its replacement as a means of escaping the Canberra winter and visiting my family, who had just moved to the QLD border. The format of the race seemed promising: TT and road race on day one; long road race on day 2; and a criterium on day 3. The 15% gradient on one of the climbs seemed a bit daunting for a non-climber, but by Canberra standards there was nothing too onerous. As the race guide states, the climbs are designed to be challenging, but not definitive. And so it turned out that all the road races ended up in a bunch finish, except for one crucial break away.

But let me back up a bit and begin with the timetrial on day one. The masters A riders had a reasonably early start on the Saturday morning, so I’d decided to turn up the day before and scope the course out, thank goodness!!! The course turned out to be a sort of rainforest ideal with a road surface that would make the cobblestones of Belgium blush! My favourite part was the short descent into a sharp left-hander (which was wet with a trainline going right through the middle of it) that then turned right onto a wooden bridge with transverse boards designed to achieve maximum bone-shaking. I was sure someone would come a cropper on it and seriously thought about whether to put the disk on (a few people decided to ride conventional bikes).

Now, in theory the TT course should have suited me to a “Tee” (or should that be "TT" — boom, boom): with the rough surface (being a heavier, power rider); two small power hills and 8km distance. However in reality I struggled to get into a rhythm, partly due to my new found caution after being involved in the Cootamundra crash — this came in very handy on stage 3, as you’ll read!!! — and partly because I was wheezing with asthma that I’ve only had informally diagnosed and did not medicate because I don’t have the proper exemption to do so. But the worst handicap occurred when, coming back over the jaw-slapping bridge, my front brake slipped and began rubbing heavily on the rim. I think I lost more time trying to fix the brake than from friction, but in any case I only ended up coming back in 5th place, albeit within 20 seconds of the leader. Still, after emphatically winning the Masters TT in Bright I’d hoped for more. In a way it wasn’t surprising. I remember seeing the guy who ended up winning (first name Nikoli aka ‘The Russian’) before the start warming up on his P4 Cervelo and Virgin air team kit thinking that the Elite guys had really nice bikes! But of course he wasn’t an elite rider; he was in my category as a Masters cat 1 rider (a category that is being abolished after this year because most decent riders young enough to rider Masters 1 are still riding elite). Now, far be it from me to use the term ‘burglar’ — this was perfectly legal after all — but in reality there were five or so serious riders who fell into this category who most of us in the race were giving 10 years to. Not sure why they didn’t choose to ride elite, but I did wonder whether they considered the race easy money. At this stage I was wishing I had the (Graeme) Albinator with me to help show these guys what old fellas can do!

So I set about making strategic friends as quickly as possible. I found the third placed rider after the TT (Craig Taylor) who is also a world champion at the masters level and recommended to me by Simon Claringbold as a handy break away partner. (The merit of this approach was reinforced by a very jitter bunch and a crash on the first climb where a nervy rider swung into an elite B rider, breaking his Zipp 303 front wheel.) He and I decided that we’d go on the second lap after the climb, just before the race hit a series of technical corners and into terrain that would be hard to spot us up the road. The break itself worked like a charm and we got away with ease, but after a km I looked back and saw the bunch bearing back down on us. Incredibly it was the U19 and elite riders doing the driving, an we weren’t even in their race!!!! We tried to get away a couple more times, with the same result: riders from the other categories chased us down.

More frustrating was the fact that the Russian slipped off the front a lap later with two riders from the other categories and no-one chased! So I drove hard down a hill and got within 30m of the escape. As I was about to bridge (near the bridge!) I looked back to see the rest of the pack in a long line behind me and thought to myself that I should let them share the work and swung off, upon which the whole bunch sat up to watch the escapees slip back up the road. A bit bemused, I didn’t worry too much because the pace was reasonably high and I figured we’d pull the escape before the finish. (Something you should never take for granted if you don’t have team mates with the ability and will to make the chase happen!!!) Sure enough, the break stuck and stayed about 30 seconds away to the finish, or at least the ‘Russian’ did.

As for the whole race (except the climbs) I was stuck near the front leading into the sprint, following the wheel of the best sprinter I knew in the bunch (a local Murwillumbah masters rider by the name Constanza). Constanza seemed pretty determined to take the sprint and even took a detour off the side of the road to move around some riders holding things up at the front. I thought to myself ‘well, in for a penny....’ and swung out off the road behind him and the two of us took off for the line, just as we hear a crash behind us. (I found out later that this was caused by an U19 rider changing line and taking at and Elite B grade rider, who broke his femur.) I was feeling pretty strong, but not too keen to do anything dangerous to take the sprint. So when I was blocked out on the right I swung left into a small gap that Constanza had left open. But sure enough he closed the door and I had to

settle for second in the sprint, but third overall behind the Russian.

And the door closes in the sprint...

So that was that. It turned out that with time bonuses I’d moved from 5th to 3rd on general classification. Fortified with this knowledge I donned the compression tights and hopped in the ice bath in anticipation of a ding-dong battle in stage 3...

...but in a way it was a disappointing race. I’d tried to get away a few times, but early on in the race I was mainly concerned with keeping enough energy to get over the 15% 500m long climb heading toward the Stokers Siding loop that we’d ridden in stage 2. A minor gap did form, but I didn’t worry. If there’s anything I can do well it’s descend a mountain, so I didn’t have too much trouble bringing the gap back (unlike the Canberra Tour, all the climbs at the Tour de Tweed are followed by descents). And the rest of the race we fairly conservative, with the lead riders in the Masters category hiding away in the bunch. The Russian stayed close to the front, as did I, with a slew of team mates there to chase any breaks (though he was plenty strong enough to do much of that himself). And so it seemed that the Russian was infallible, but I did pick a weakness: he wasn’t very good at cornering and I knew that the crit on the following day was technical, as was the last corner coming into the finale of stage 3. Neither of these was enough on its own to make up the 45 seconds he’d got on me with his break on stage 2, but if I played everything right and won both stages with a slight time gap I though I might be able to take him for first place on GC.

All this seemed a good idea until the skies opened up on the 30km final run back past Murwillumbah to Tumblegum, where the finish line (and a really good cafe!) awaited. I’d never raced in such heavy rain, with lightning falling around us too boot. The storm came from nowhere, since there’d been nothing but sun before that. I was sure the race would be neutralized, since I could barely see my hands, let alone the wheel in front. Feeling very nervous I chatted to Constanza (who I’d since befriended) about what the safest thing to would be: stay on the back or fight my way back up the front. Whatever the case I downgraded my ambitions from racing for the lead to simply staying upright. And so I went right to the front and drove the pace for a good part of the last 5km of the race, never getting further back than 3rd wheel. I simply didn’t care how much energy I spent. In the last km to go I’d missed a critical move by the Russian’s other ‘youngster’ team mates, with one launching the other off the front and then blocking. It was a great move, because the last km involved a climb over a bridge, which descended into a sharp right turn, then left into the last 500m to the line. I followed a surge by another rider, who faded, leaving me on the front. My choice was then stark, drive the pace, which would be safest, but kill my chances of placing well, or sit up to find a wheel to follow. I erred on the side of caution and drove the pace over the bridge and down the other side into the corner. Seeing the corner I wasn’t quite ready for just how nasty it was. Worse I’d forgotten who bad carbon wheels are for braking in the wet.

Sure enough, when I applied the brakes into the corner....nothing!!!! The gutter was fast approaching and, with 100 guys following me, also with no brakes, my options were limited. It’s here that a misspent youth riding motocross came in REAALLY handy. I put the bike sideways and my foot down to hold me up (you should see the worn metal on the bottom of the Speedplay cleats!!) Unbelievably I stayed up. Hooray! Then I heard the awful crunching sound of 20 guys coming down behind me!

As it turned out 5 other riders survived the corner. My new mate Constanza had made it through (the benefit of local knowledge!) and was on my wheel yelling at me to lead the sprint out. Now there was no real reason for me to do this, but I accelerated nonetheless, because you never know when you’re going to need allies, and hung onto that group to get 5th place with the same time. The interesting thing was that both the race leader and second place had come down in the crash and finished over a minute down, putting me in the lead. But because the crash occurred within 3km of the finish line the officials gave them the same time as my bunch. So much for benefit of riding smart and safe! Still, at least I’d kept all my skin, despite conceding the win.

And, as it turned out, indeed it was handy to make an ally, because I turned up to the last criterium race without my helmet (which I’d hung up to dry and forgot). So when I got to the race and saw Constanza I asked him whether he’d be able to help me find something. I then found out he was the local club president and was able to quickly source me something.

We then hatched a plan to get away very early on in the crit, using our cornering skills and sprinting abilities to advantage. It was the only way that we could get back the time on the Russian. I was still in third place, but only a few seconds behind second place. So I promised Constanza that if we got away I would give him the win, but otherwise I’d need the 10 second time bonus. Whatever happened, I was really looking forward to this crit. Not only was it super-technical, which I love! But we didn’t have those pesky B graders messing things up for us (or us for them).

One of the nasty corners on the crit course

As it turns out we did get away on the second lap of the crit for a couple of laps, but I lost Constanza on a couple of corners and he used a lot of energy to catch back up. I then found myself on my own and a fast approaching bunch. Realising that a break wasn’t going to happen I switched strategy to staying right at the front and covering absolutely everything during the race, including the attacks by the much fancied Trevor Ballyss (who apparently is a multiple Superbike -- motorbike -- World Champion, and funnily enough, rode a Ducati bike). I did this right until the last lap, when the Russian made a surge to the front and drove the pace hard. I couldn’t believe my luck, being second on his wheel. Nor could I believe that he thought he could ride the entire bunch off his wheel. Still, I was very grateful that he’d kept the pace high enough to stop anyone surging through right until before the last corner, where I launched my bid for the win.

Knowing that I could corner faster than most I’d planned to hit the last corner at the front as hard as I could and drive flat out for the last 150m to the line. It worked like a charm. The super-bike champion (Ballyss) was hard on my wheel into the corner but I’d managed to gap him slightly and accelerate away down the straight, making it a clear win.

I was ecstatic! My whole family had been there cheering me on and I didn’t want to let them down. Better still, I moved up into second place on GC.

So overall it was a great race, which would have been even better with a couple of team mates there. Next year I’ll try to talk the Albinator and Sean Moran into coming (both of whom are coming to Vikings to ride with MACT) so that we can really take it to the Russian and his fancy boy mates in Virgin! Well, we’ll see. Whatever happens it will be a great race with a great sense of comradeship among most of the riders, just like it was this year.

I’d thoroughly recommend the trip north for this one, despite a few glitches with mixed bunches, which will hopefully get sorted out for next year.

Simon Niemeyer

Report on the Wagga long weekend of racing

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:57:00 +0000

Some pics

Unfortunately Simon Claringbold had a crash in the crit after doing a fantastic ride in the long handicap and then setting the crit on fire with very attacking racing.

Jim Veal raced into second place in the crit, well done with a big move up the straight punctuated by a long sprint.

Neil was there with Simon at the pointy end of the long handicap.

Jim Veal and Tony O'Connor represented MACT in the finish of the shorter handicap

Allan Bontjer had an attacking but fruitless race in the crit and suffered my way through the hills on Saturday. He hung on to the scratch bunch until 15km to go

It was good to see Andrew Mohr out on his road bike Saturday, but did not see him Sunday for the crit!

Neil rode extremely well in the A grade crit (only Masters rider) in a top class field

Vanessa Essem ran a fine 4th in her crit, well done.

Simon Junakovic had a hard mark and had to catch the sag wagon back in

Sue Powell had a flat in the handicap and rode well in the crit

Alain Arbaut rode well in the handicap, but suffered from cramps 20km from the finish

We all had a great weekends racing, also enjoying a meal and a few drinks together at La Porchetta on Saturday night.

Update on 2009 NSW Masters Shield - Vikings Win on recount

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:27:00 +0000

Hi Simon,

I have completed a recount of the Masters points for the master Championships, and I on behalf of Cycling NSW would like to congratulate Tuggeranong Vikings CC on being the winners of the 2009 Masters Shield.

As the three riders you mentioned had large point scores to their name, this mean that Tuggeranong won the shield by a margin of over 50 points.

Due to the system not recognising the rider's transferral, all three riders were shown as belonging to their previously affiliated club.

We would like to apologise for this error, and once again congratulate all Tuggeranong Vikings Master's riders who competed at the Master's Championships.

An official statement will be placed in this weeks newsletter, along with the website.

Thank you and congratulations.

Place Club Road Crit Total

Tuggeranong Vikings CC 293 159 452
Sutherland Shire CC 266 130 396
Waratah Masters CC 217 112 329
Penrith Panthers CC 167 144 311
Illawarra CC 208 78 286
Nowra Velo CC 205 79 284
Northern Sydney CC 188 60 248
Hunter District CC 149 73 222
Randwick Botany CC 122 75 197
Canberra CC 144 50 194

Regards,

Aleece Longbottom

Administration and Events Promotion Officer

Cycling NSW

RAW Track is back for 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:55:00 +0000

RAW Track is back again for 2009, we are exactly four Weeks out from Week 1 on Friday June 19. The season will run for 15 weeks concluding on Friday September 25.
The RAW media launch of what's new for 09 can be found by clicking on the video link below.

Till June 19; "if it isn't fixed, it's broken!'

2009 NSW Masters Club Shield

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:31:00 +0000

2009 NSW Masters Club Shield

Congratulations to all riders who took part in what was a fantastic weekend of racing and weather!

And a special thankyou to all volunteers, organisers, and riders for making this a truly great, smooth running event.

A special congratulations goes to the winner of the NSW Masters Club Shield, the

Sutherland Shire Cycling Club!

		Crit		Road		Total
Overall place	Club	Start	Place	Start	Place
1	Sutherland Shire CC	51	79	105	161	396
2	Tuggeranong Vikings CC	42	73	90	149	354
3	Waratah Veterans CC	48	64	95	122	329
4	Penrith Panthers CC	42	105	75	97	319
5	Illawarra CC	69	12	120	88	289
6	Nowra Velo Club	24	55	85	120	284
7	Canberra Cycling Club	36	55	95	89	275
8	Northern Sydney CC	36	24	65	123	248
9	Hunter District CC	24	52	50	104	230
10	Randwick Botany CC	39	39	70	57	205

Congratulations also to the Penrith Panthers who did astonishingly well on their placing points in the criterium.

NSW Masters Road Race and Criterium Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Allan Bontjer) — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Lots of MACT members raced at the NSW Masters Road Race Championships hosted by Eurobodalla CC

Cootamundra Haycarters

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:48:00 +0000

A big bunch of MACT riders raced at the Cootamundra Haycarters and Sunday recovery race

80 or so riders witnessed one of the biggest pile-ups anywhere! 5km from the finish when the bunch was moving along at 50kph 40 riders or so came down, filling the road 3-4 deep from drainage ditch to drainage ditch. The majority of people were OK, with a small number of broken collar bones and a dislocated elbow. Most of the damage was to expansive carbon bits and tyres. Most tyres saw 10-15cm of bald patches due to locking up trying to avoid the carnage

2009 National Masters Track Championship report

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:27:00 +0000

14 intrepid track racers made the journey over the waters to participate in the 2009 Australian Masters Track Championship held in Launceston, Tasmania from April 1-4. Many cars full of riders, partners, bikes and associated equipment gathered in Melbourne on Sunday ready for an adventure on the high seas, whilst most others travelled by air on the Monday and Tuesday prior to the racing. The group had done research and knew that it was to make up over 10% of the start numbers so it was known that we started with distinct advantage- strength in numbers. Add to this the fact that the riders are extremely passionate (read: competitive... some have suggested elitist), would only raise the quality of competition.

Training Monday-

Most of the talk and work revolved around 200 meter TT sprint qualifying line.

Training Tuesday-

As above.

Wednesday, Day 1 of racing-Time Trials

Today was time trial day and proved to be the beginning of a big week for the group. It kicked off with outstanding performances by the women and 1 older rider then continued after a short break with many eye-opening performances. I can’t remember the actual order in which our riders took to the track but it was action from start to finish.

Sue Powell (40.980s), pressuring all competitors in division 3-4 with an opening ride that would hold up for a bronze, was supported by Kerry Knowler (with a 6 second PB and 5th place- 41.791s), and Terry Moore (in 11th less than 4 second from a medal- 44.469s) .

Vanessa Essam achieved a 2 second PB (44.703s) and placed 7th in a world class field which included multiple world champion, Michelle Crawford.

Jim Veal (38.275s) had to settle for silver behind the near-unbeatable Ron Boyle.

In div 4 men we had three starters and 3 PB’s (I think) and their placings were also good with Gary Aisbitt (53.786s) 5th, Mark Harris (55.628s) 8th and Anthony “Sluggo” O’Connor (58.407s) 11th.

Men division 3 saw four Tuggeranong entries and the start to the group’s gold rush. I (Michael Aisbitt) was lucky enough to put it all together for a win, whilst being ably supported by Bill Laing (53.892s, 8th), Neil Skipper (53.823s, 9th) and Allan Bontjer (58.9s, 12th).

Last but definitely not least was Gerry Elias. Gerry made the long trip to Tassie only to find that no other division 1 rider had made the effort. This left Gerry with no official rides in either Time Trial or Sprint events that he had entered. This was a great disappointment for Gerry and the group, but thanks must go to the officials for allowing him to ride for times in both disciplines. Gerry’s time of 1:15 was around the time he produce 2 weeks earlier in Sydney, but here in much cooler conditions.

Thursday, Day 2- Pursuits

Big things were expected from many riders today and most delivered. I’ll say from the outset that all riders that rode the pursuits were again (as for yesterdays TT’s) up against the weather which when cooler has a negative influence on performance. Considering these conditions it could be said that all entrants performed to, or above, their usual ability. So here’s how it went.

Jim once again medalled but this time with his maiden national championship gold!

Kerry went pedal for pedal with friend and reigning world pursuit champion, Megan Marsh. She only lost by a small margin and for a fresh trackie it was a top effort- 2:37.488 and 2:37.427. Terry looked totally in control during her 2:55.773 pursuit and I for one am eager to see the improvements in the near future- a great first up pursuit. Sue had a bit of a struggle in her pursuit with the dual attempt of racing 2km (2:57) and then to continue riding for a 3km time.

Vanessa slashed over 4 second from her time in NSW champs 2 weeks earlier- 2:53.031.

Neil (3:41.162) and the other div 3’s, Allan (4:09.38, I thought it was faster) and me (don’t ask the time), failed to qualify for finals.

Mark and Anthony achieved great times of 3:47.707 and 4:02.695 for the div 4 contingent.

Friday, day 3- Team sprint and bunch races (either scratch or point score)

Team events are always a fun thing to be involved with and today proved true. As I have already mentioned, there was issues with lack of division 1 competitors…SO, team spirit took over with a total reshuffle of the “regular” line-ups to allow for Gerry to have an official ride. A big team hug goes to Neil for stepping back from race duty- he was the second youngest. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that cumulative team age must be equal to or over 135 years! So what happened was that all teams rode admirably, finishing within about 1 second of each other in the qualifying round. Results were:

Team Harris, Laing and Bontjer 6th with 60.493 seconds.

Team Sluggo, Veal and Elias 8th with 61.319 seconds

The team of Gorrell, Aisbitt and Aisbitt was lucky to qualify for the bronze medal final (59.041s) after a team was DQ’ed for a rule infringement. Thereafter, like all good teams, they rose to the challenge improving approximately 1.5 seconds (57.78s) to claim the medal.

Bunch races = OMG!

Kerry just made them look silly in the final 1.5 laps. Riding on and then off the front of the lead pack to win by 3 lengths, this all after attacking from the start gun, then again at about half way. Terry stay in the pack for most of the race and claimed 5th place.

Neil stepped up for the 20 km point score after having done the noble team member thing and, after a ding dong battle, it came down to a 4 way race with 1 sprint to go. Neil managed to gain valuable points over the others to gain another national championship. Allan slogged it out all the way and seemed to be getting better through the distance. Me… DNF!

Division 4 would have to be the most competitive age and this race was the one to watch. From the start it was as if someone had thrown a hand grenade in to the bunch- bodies all over the track. Attack after attack, sprint after sprint- it was on. ACT resident Graeme Allbon, our own Mark Harris and Craig Taylor (Ipswich CC) went head to head for the entire 20km. They finished in that order, with 2nd, 3rd and 4th placing (Tony Unicomb, Sutherland) decided on the final sprint! Tony “Sluggo” fought to the end and having lost a few early laps settled into the small group of finishers. I can’t remember ever seeing him DNF!

Jim “Bling” Veal tried valiantly to wrestle gold away from his nemesis, Ron Boyle, but had to settle for silver, though he is cutting the gap- maybe next time Jim!

Finally, Vanessa stuck with the group until the final surge was unleased and powered home for 6th, despite running on only 50% lung function! Look out for her result next time!

Saturday, final day (sprints)

Yet another top day for the masters group, this time in the sprint event.

Sprint day is always a long, tense day of competition and this one was just the same. All masters rode well in qualifying and most advanced to the next stage of racing- the quarter finals. Jim, Bill, Kerry, Neil, Mark, Ray, Gary rode through the rounds. Allan and Anthony went straight into the minor placing run offs.

Jim once again met Ron in the race for gold with Ron again taking the victory. He is so determined to get a win over Ron and is already planning the assault. Jim in the gym!

Kerry, in her first sprint series, progressed to the gold medal run-off, and shocked her world champion opponent with hard and fast racing. Alas, inexperience and a slight lack of top speed saw her going down to Julie Barnett, but winning silver.

Bill led the way in division 3 qualifying in 2nd. Tactically Bill rode extremely well and all his hard work with the likes of Alex, Gerry, Gary, Kial and Danny showed. Unfortunately he failed to realise the potential of a few riders he faced and made his day on the track much more difficult than it should have been. In the end he succumbed to the event organiser, Justin McMullen, in the ride off for bronze. So close and yet so far! Bill will only improve from this racing and prove his ability. Neil and Allan placed 5th and 9th.

Division 4 had big numbers and fierce competition plus 4 ACT starters. Mark, Sluggo, Ray and Gary did the ACT proud placing 7th, 10th, 6th and 5th.

THANKS.

Once again a big thankyou must go out to Gerry for showing wonderful team spirit after the disappointment of next to no racing. Gerry pushed, held, and was mechanic and manager for many riders during the series and this assistance is extremely important for the smooth running of team activities.

Kate and Lyn (Mrs. Sluggo and Mrs. Bling- the “Food Fairies”) had volunteered to cater for the group during the week away, and I can honestly say that this made the championship series infinitely easier for the racers as food would magically appear both at the track and in our motel fridges. Food and cyclists… say n’more.

Derek assisted many riders through the pursuit series and was always there to discuss race strategy and lend invaluable experience to all. Thanks!!

Huge thanks must go to all supporters and groupies that made the trip to Tasmania. The ACT masters group are definitely the biggest, friendliest, approachable, noisiest and most supportive group of riders attending track races at present, plus had the most vocal fan club whilst over the Tasman.

Finally, thanks to the riders. It’s always a pleasure to travel, race and be in your company. What a brilliant group of people.

Summary.

The week of the National Masters Track cycling Championship was an excellent week of racing with outstanding performance by all. It was surprisingly relaxed in the running of the series which is a testament to the organiser, Justin.

Apology:

To anyone that I haven’t mentioned in the results! Not intended. You’ll get over it.

Michael

NSW track champs report 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:51:00 +0000

The Weekend..............What a weekend!.

14 riders
18 medals (heaps of other high places too)
83 races (approx)
Successful (and not so),
1 non starter – Steve… I had to shame you a bit.

The Riders.

Allan- PB’s, great fight and spirit, to quote Patches O’Hoolihan of “Dodgeball” fame… “you’ve gotta get mean, you’ve gotta get angry”.
Bill- a couple of medals, always improving, did you see his 2nd lap in the TS??? Yeah!!!
Gary- big solid weekend, 4th in the PURSUIT… What??,
Gerry- medals, crashes, races, crashes, timing, calling, crashes, what more could be said?
Jim- Bling, Bling, ching, ching. Cashed up again. He's back.
Kerry- L’animal, The Cannibal, look out world here she comes.
Mark- how many laps into the PS did he attacked? Was it 1?
Michael- good and crap (not even that good in the pursuit!!)
Neil- The Ironman, The Terrior, The Budgie (smuggler?), Bling the 3rd??
Ray- 12.?? seconds, Where did they pull that from?, you have begun to realise your potential, commit, don’t be dominated.
Simon C- you are a Trackie! Stop wasting your time with that road joke (and more importantly STOP running)!
Steve- DNSL
Sue- give us a G, give us a O, give us a L, give us a D, and she did!!! What does it spell “GOLD”
Vanessa- improve that start and you’ll be in the mix even more.
Terry- why not?????, see you in Tassie.

The Disciplines.

TT- Success, medals, the only gold!!!, improvements, PB’s (Neil?? 1st timer did you like that distance?)
Sprint- Successes, medals, improvements, no PB’s but it isn’t time for them.
Points/ Scratch- , medals, improvements, pain and suffering, please help me.. what do I do now?
Pursuit- Successes, medals, improvements, pain and suffering (that’s what it’s all about I suppose), as above for me again... help
Team sprint- Successes, medals, improvements, spiRit with a capital R for "are we great together or what".

TEAM SPRINT STOP PRESS>>>
“Team Aisbitt Finally Beaten… after 2 years of unprecedented success, Team Aisbitt, has finally been well and truly beaten. One good thing that came out of their demise was the fact that they were beaten by another Viking Cycling club team, thus, keeping the flag flying”J The team sprint was a great event that saw outstanding performances by the 3 teams.

These performances highlight both the group’s depth and preparation, with all teams riding for medals. With support and encouragement coming from everywhere in the form of Sue, Vanessa, Steve, Allan, Kerry, etc … we had won before we started.

Thanks to all for helping/supporting each other with all sorts of things:- Pushing, timing, checking, mechanics, sharing, caring, laughing, cheering, buying stuff, encouragement, commiserations… I haven't mentioned any of the external support crew (partners etc) but take all of this praise as yours too. What a great group of people. Michael

MACT CT Uniform (new design and order)!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (SingleSpeedSimon) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:43:00 +0000

Breaking news! New MACT CT uniform design is underway!
The new design will be totally distinctive - so will not be confused with any other Australian club or team.

Spectrum Graphics has the following design brief:
1) Use Vikings CC colours (+ others as designer sees fit)
2) Retain the Vikings logos;
3) Retro style design - in keeping with a 'Masters' team;
4) Use 'V' motif;
5) The only sponsors on the uniform will be Spectrum Graphics, MACT CT blogspot, and Green Grocer Goulburn (in recognition of past and future services);
6) AUSTRALIA around collar;
7) Designs required for gloves, long and short sleeves (arm warms will incorporate long sleeve design), shoe covers, cycling style cap, socks, bandana, and soft shell team street jacket.

Can people please email me expressions of interest for - please see web site: http://www.tineli.com/customcycleclothing.html
for the various options. I will put together a spreadsheet for the order. Hopefully we can get to 100 items and therefore achieve the cheapest price.
I would encourage all active MACT CT riders to consider ordering :
- shoe covers,
- 2 pairs of socks,
- cap,
- 2 short sleeve jersey (specify zip length, m/f cut),
- arm warmers,
- 2 bib knicks (specify m/f chamois shape),
- knee warmers,
- windtex vest,
- skinsuit (specify sleeve length + m/f chamois shape),
- gloves,
- soft shell casual jacket

See sizing charts: http://www.tineli.com/sizes.html

There will have to be some good co-ordination here. There still is a minimum order of 10 per garment, but within this 10 we can specify zip type (S/M/L) and M/F chamois.

Simon's story of the NSW Team Pursuit Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:27:00 +0000

On Saturday 14th of February three teams from Vikings/MACT wound their way down to the Dunc Gray velodrome (via the Grocers Bike shop and Cafe in Goulburn, which has become a traditional pilgrimage) to compete in the NSW Masters All Ages Club Team Pursuit Championships — an inelegant title for an otherwise beautiful event.

Part of the beauty was that one of the MACT teams emerged victorious, more of which later. But the main appeal stems from the fact that all teams have spent the past few years going down to this race, gradually improving both their style and their equipment such that they have transformed themselves from something like this...

Knobbly kneed collection of old fellas

to this...(pick the one who didn't want to be seen in an aero helmet!)

Lean mean (and kitted out) pursuiting machine

Make no mistake, this is not a race of pure grunt. It takes a lot of practice to master fine details such as working together to keep a smooth pace, swap turns smoothly without wasting energy, hold a wheel very closely etc etc. And despite all the practice we still managed to look a little shaky at times (although my tendency to look down at the speedo did contribute to that, I confess).

But when it all comes together, the sensation is pure exhilaration. Feeling the pace and the g-forces going through the corners as part of a well-oiled machine is pretty amazing.

On the night all three Vikings/MACT teams performed well. The first team of Simon Claringbold (Club Prez), Bill Laing, Steve Jones and Gary Aisbitt were setting a fast pace, right up until they caught the other team, whose lead rider swung up the track in the path of our riders not once, but twice, costing them a lot of time. Still they managed a pretty good time 3.42 for the 3000 metres.

The next team up, comprising Al Bontjer, Gerry Elias, Jim Veal and Anthony O'Connor (aka Sluggo) also rode well to post a time of 3:51 (1o seconds better than last year) after being caught by one of the faster teams (though Jim Veal seemed pretty determined to catch and pass them back again!)

Al leads them out while Jim's on third wheel, with his 'let me at 'em look.

The final team (who was ranked 8th on the night) consisted of Neil Skipper, Michael Aisbitt, Mark Harris and myself (Simon Niemeyer). The first three are all either, World (Mick) or former National Champs so we had a pretty classy team, but we had to do a pretty good time to make the finals. We'd figured we needed to put in a 3 minute 28 seconds 3000m to be in the running -- which works out at a riding pace of around 54-5 kph. Despite a few hiccups and an uneven pace due to jitters (I remember looking down at the speedo at the end of my first turn when our pace was over 58kph thinking we might be going a tad too fast). But we managed to hold it together for a time of 3:28.7, which was good enough to qualify us in second place and make the final for the Gold Medal ride off.

In the Gold Medal event we were pitched against the much fancied Bicisport team, which has traditionally cleaned up this whole event in the recent past. Bicisport is a top tier, cashed up team with a lot of classy riders, one of which is about to attempt a second go at the world hour record in our age group. Now, almost no-one thought we were going to beat this team (including, I must admit, myself) and this is what makes the victory even more special.

We started our run very well, though we may have gone out a tad too fast. We pulled ahead of Bicisport by half a second or so and held that for the first 1000m. In the second 1000m they worked their way back up until they passed us to gain a .3 second gap. This is where Neil Skipper, tenacious as ever, stepped up and put in a blinder over two laps to edge us back up toward the front. We were all starting to suffer by this point...I mean, check out this photo!...

... but we could smell victory and weren't about to give up.

When Neil pulled up Mick sensed that we needed to do something special to pluck victory away from the heretofore undisputed champs. So, with-teeth-so-gritted-I'm-amazed-he-didn't-get-lockjaw Mick wound the pace up even more as part of a sacrificial effort to drag the team up to the opposition. And this he did! Now spent, Mick swung up the track and yelled out "off" so that the three of us remaining knew that it was now up to us to keep it going for the last two laps.

The other team was starting to panic by this stage, maybe not being used to being put under pressure. They lost contact with the fourth rider and then, for a time, their third. (The time for the pursuit is taken from the rear wheel of the third rider, so you need them to stay in contact.)

The opposition gets the whiff of defeat.

I then tried to lift the pace even more, sensing that we weren't quite yet over the top of the other team enough to get the win. I gave it all I had, but when I swung up after a lap I realised the Mark had fallen back off my wheel ever so slightly and and had been pushing a fair bit of wind, giving it everything he had to stay in contact. (We've since realised from the photo's that Mark's 'wings out' position must have cost him some serious watts, making all this even more impressive.)

Check out the wings on this fella! You'd think forgoing the aero helmet was handicap enough!

Mark then went on to bring us home. When we crossed the line we heard two loud 'bang's in quick succession (indicating when the teams finished). So we knew it was close. It took two laps rolling around the circuit for us to realise that we'd won!! I swear it's the first time I'd ever punch the air and raised my arms in victory, but this one was particularly sweet. All of us were elated and we rolled around the track a few more times to soak it all in as we congratulated each other. The commissaires, usually quick to sweep riders off the track after their event, dropped officiousness in favour of a sense of occasion and gave us our moment of glory, congratulating us as we rode down the shute back into the centre of the track.

Ah, sweet victory.

More photos from Action Snaps and Ernie Smith here
Full results from the team pursuits and carnival.

The Vikings masters group was extremely competitive, had fun and were an approachable part of the community. The Vikings squad can be commended for riding well as a team in both the pursuits and the scratch and handicap races in the carnival.

NSW Team Pursuit Championships 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Masters ACT Cycling) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:08:00 +0000

Hi All,

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Simply an awesome, but seriously long, day!

All teams rode very professionally and with great skill. I believe, from what I saw, heard and read (researching previous results), that all the teams improved, and can continue do so in the future.

Support races were again dominated by the group, with some outstanding, selfless team work.

Some standouts for me, and there's quite a few:

Neil's 2 lapper in the final.
Mark- totally stepping up for the final (must have been the 96") then pumping everybody in the scratch race.
Simon "Mr Cool" Niemeyer's casual attitude and consistency ... and riding a 98"... WHAT!!
Steve Jones- now this guy is THE improver, LOOK OUT!! Hope to see you more on the track during the year. (Kerry is very welcome to just us too)
Simon Claringbold- another super improver, please keep in touch with the track as it will help your road riding too.
Allan "The Train"- leading out Bill in the scratch race and h'cap.
Jim- getting back in the groove. Steady, Steady, Softly, Softly.
Bill- A great night all round. Team pursuit, h'cap, scratch, fantastic. What a competitor!
Sluggo- always thinking about the money, doing "the job" and consistent effort in team pursuit. Good to see you back after tough times.
Gary- not mudding (himself), and keeping his cool (for a change) after a shocker whilst trying to pass the other team.
Gerry- great team pursuit and team spirit, and great pushing and support. Might have to work on the team calling though:-) Can't wait to see you at NSW individual champs (don't forget the team sprint).
Me- not passing out after qualifying.

The Vikings masters group was extremely competitive, had fun and were an approachable part of the community. Well done.
Thank you all so much for making the whole cycling experience fun and fulfilling for me (hang on, what am I saying? I was in big time pain). Let's keep it up, and improve on what we do.

Michael
ATTENTION! coming soon to a computer near you... Sydney Sunday Training plans; Team Sprint training, selection and qualifying; and National Championship preparation, plus much, much more.

noreply@blogger.com (SingleSpeedSimon) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:59:00 +0000

Truly awesome effort by all on Saturday 14th February.

Congratulations MACT CT Team 1 for an outstanding performance in winning the NSW Masters Team Pursuit Championship.

The ride to qualify second fastest was superb. Then to really pull out all stop in the face of adversity, to respond to the pressure of being nearly a second down, and to lift to come back and put even more pressure on the favored opposition, then to see the opposition crack, it was electric!

Let's see the photos!

What a great night!